Friday Free-For-All: Favorite Cocktail
I’m sure you all think I’m a big liquor head after posting about happy hours and favorite liquor stores. There is a method to my madness though. I find myself out and about and having fun and wondering if this (whatever I am doing) would be of interest to you guys. This time I want to know about a signature cocktail that you can’t get any where else. I have to admit that I’m not much of a liquor drinker. I prefer a nice glass of red wine most times. But a few years ago, we went to Morgan’s in New Market and they had a fruit infused vodka that I ordered and it was pretty darned good. We went back a few times and I had a chance to try a couple different infusions that they had.
Then last month, we went to First Saturday and we stopped into the Tasting Room and they had a pineapple infusion that was so delicious that it motivated me to try to make one at home. I bought an organic pineapple at the Common Market and it’s just about ready to taste (pineapple infusions take about 2 weeks to infuse…more info on infusing here).
So what is that signature cocktail that you’ve had that you can’t get anywhere else?
I love mango martini’s and the only place that makes them well is at the olive garden. If you want to try one, ask Erin to make one for you and tell her I sent you.
Mmm, that sounds good. I’ve never had a mango martini before.
Hands down, Volt has the most creative and best cocktails. For about the same price as TR, you can get a pretty good adult beverage. I think I had a mango Mojito the last time we were there (which is too long ago). It was yummy.
BTW, the only martini that counts in my book is made with Gin. Good gin. Hard to beat a dry van Gogh (gin) martini beached with a twist. The only place I have found in town with van Gogh gin (many have the vodkas) is Monocacy Crossing (contradicting my earlier rant about Volt).
We had an amazing pineapple/ginger infused rum (I think it was rum…but it could have been vodka ). It was at a tiny little French restaurant in Grand Case on SXM. We were going out on XMAS eve to a very highly respected restaurant in Grand Case, but arrived early. So we strolled for a while and happened upon this little space. The bartender/owner welcomed us in, sat us at the bar, poured us some small shooters of the soup he had prepared for the evening – kind of like a vichysoisse but smoother, creamier and leekier (if that’s a word…and OMG – so amazingly delicious). He then offered us a sample of his new infused beverage.
No additions – no fillers, just the rum ( or was it vodka?) over ice. Wow.
Had we not made previous reservations at L’Alabama, we would have stayed right where we were, chatting with the proprietors, sipping that luxurious concotion, and enjoying what promised to be a delicious meal.
If only I could remember the name of the place! It was just one of those serendipitious finds that surprise you when you least expect it!
just got back from New Orleans so drinking is still on my mind…
speaking of NOLA, Cafe NOLA makes some great drinks (taken from the website for accuracy in reporting) -
Hendricks Flower Tonic: Hendricks gin and tonic with a splash of St. Germaine Elderflower liquor and a slice of cucumber
The Samurai: Cold Sake, pineapple juice and champagne come together in this beautiful cocktail garnished with a fresh strawberry
Orange Crush: Nola’s delicious orange rum infusion, tall glass, sugar rim, half an orange squeezed in and topped with tonic
Brazilian Mojito: Leblon Sugar Cane Rum, Fresh mint, cucumber puree, fresh lime, simple syrup and club soda
Banana Royale: Makers Mark Whiskey, a splash of apple juice, a dash of banana liqueur
Just got back from NOLA? I’m jealous.
When I first moved to Frederick from NOLA, I went to Cafe NOLA with my mom and first question we asked was “so this is ‘Cafe New Orleans’?” We got blank stares in return.
I’m a red wine gal myself too Liz.